Christmas Presence

To many, the greatest Christmas present this year will be a chaplain’s presence.

This Christmas, members of our armed forces stand watch, many of them thousands of miles away, directly in harm’s way, to protect our home front.

This Christmas, police, fire, and rescue departments stand ready for when the call for someone in need comes through.

This Christmas, there are many in hospitals and nursing homes, healing, recovering, and resting.

This Christmas, there are many in prisons and jails because of bad decisions made, but they are longing to be home.

And this Christmas, like years before, chaplains will be there: giving care to those hurting physically and emotionally, offering comfort and encouragement to those feeling down or separated from family and friends, and providing counsel to those needing direction and spiritual guidance.

To many, the greatest Christmas present this year will be a chaplain’s presence.